Woodstock School District 200 Board rejects bid proposals for artificial turf field

By HANNAH PROKOP - hprokop@shawmedia.com

July 10, 2015

WOODSTOCK – All five bids submitted for the proposed artificial turf field at Woodstock High School were rejected by the Woodstock School District 200 Board at its special meeting Wednesday.

Superintendent Mike Moan said the administration recommended the board reject the bids because of the project's cost.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Renaissance Committee and the money they raised, the energy they put in, but I think that that gap was too large," Moan said after the meeting.

The lowest bid came from Gavers Asphalt Paving and Excavating at $574,995.55, and the highest bid came from Berger Excavating Contractors Inc. at $793,133.25.

The bids were for the excavation and preparation of the field, which would include all things necessary so that the artificial turf could be laid down, Moan said.

He said the estimated cost for the artificial turf field and its installation would be over $300,000.

The total estimated cost of the project came to about $1,070,00, which would include contingency and construction oversight fees, Moan said.

Before bids were received, the estimated cost for the project was around $950,000, Moan said.

The Renaissance Committee's plans for the project included installing an artificial turf field and renovating the school's track and seating area.

Supporters of the field had said it would allow for more teams to practice and play at the school, and it would make the school more competitive.

According to the committee's website, the project has received $805,925 in pledged donations.

Although the proposed plan for the field was rejected, Moan, board President Camille Goodwin and board member Bill Nattress encouraged people at the meeting to work with the Renaissance Committee so the money pledged will not go to waste.

"There has been money donated by the public, and there is a football field and a stadium that is going to need some form of renovation in the very near future," Nattress said. "… Let's find a way to use it correctly in the community. Don't let it disappear."

The vote by the board came after about 15 community members addressed the board with concerns involving cost, health and the speed of decision-making regarding the field.

Editor's note: This story has been changed due to a correction on what part of the project the bids were released for and the total estimated cost of the project.